Nicole Ringland is one of many at Simmons College unnerved by the sexual assault of a student directly across from the main building on campus.

"You never think it happens to you and then … It makes you feel more vulnerable," she said.

Police say the victim was grabbed from behind, physically and sexually assaulted.

She told investigators she struggled and screamed until the attacker ran away.

"It is very concerning that it happened to that girl. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone," Anjelica Melucci said.

Students were alerted by email about the crime. Lydia Hardy graduated from Simmons and works there now.

"Things like that happen all the time around here. They tell students to be careful walking. It’s just common sense, you live in a city area you should not be walking in certain places at night," Hardy said.

Campus police are advising women to take precautions like walk in groups and don’t be distracted by electronic devices.

Students here say they plan to be extra careful from now on.

"I take precautionary measures. I don’t walk around at night that kind of thing," Melucci said.